The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-04-28
WESTERN WATERWAYS.
CIRCULAR FROM THEEXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE or TENNESSEE,
Calling for q Convention ofthe West.
ern Waterways Association
Next October.

Some time ago the APPEAL pointed
out the Instability OF urging a meet
ingof the Association for the Improve
msnl OF the Western Waterways, to
be held in this city. The Executive
Committee OF Tennessee and mer-
chants generally warmly espoused the
suggestion and weat into active work
with that end in view. Among the
other efforts put forward is the follow
ing circular, addressed 10 the Execu-
tive Committees OF the several States
and Territories represented in the
Association for the improvement OF
the Western Waterways.
At the last meeting OF the above
named Association at New Orleans. in
April, 1885, for the purpose OF impart-
ing such measure OF prominence to
the organization as to provide for Its
future assembling, and thus enable
those most interested in the improve
ment Of our Western waterways 10 CO.
operate in a matter so vitality affecting
their welfare, and Of such special and
paramount importance Of the people
Of the Mississippi Valley, corps OF
officers was constituted, consisting OF
president, vice president, secretary
and treasurer, and an Executive OJm.
mitlee for each State and Territory
represented in the association was ap.
pointed. Mr.. b. ID. Wood, OF New Or
leans, was chosen as president, nd
cloih:d with authority to call the as.
ISOLATION together as occasion might
require.
The States represented at New
Orleans, and for each Of which an Elk.
ecntive COMMITTEES was appointed, were
the following: Arkansas, Colorado, lii
nois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Ken
lucky, Louisans, Minnesota, Missls
eippi, Missouri, Nebrash a. Ohio, Penn.
sylyania, Tennessee, West Virginia
and Wisconsin.
The States and Territories penetrat.
ed by the Mississippi and It's tributa-
ries cover an area Of more than $4,000
square miles-an area which embraces
the major part of the population OF
the United States-which contributes
more than 81 PEI cent. to the food
products OF the whole country, and
the value OF its internal commerce is
more than twelve times that Of our
total foreign commerce. To these
products and this commerce cheap
and reliable transportation is vital
necessity, and this transportation can
only be procured and assured by the
nnobstructed navigation OF the water
ways embraced within the area re-
ferred TO.
II was hoped that the earnest and |
united action OF the body representing |
this vast aud productive scope OF coun.
try would 80 far arrest the attention of |
the National Government az TO secure
that respectful consideration and ju-
dicious action demanded by the mag
nitude OF the interests involved; but
though two sessions OF Congress have
convened and adjourned since the
date OF the meeting at New Orleans,
yet no relief at all, or none Of any eff.
cient and adequate character, has heen
obtained from the Executive and Leg
ative Departments of the government,
and unless the teeming millions Of
his great valley mean TO quietly re-
ign themselves to their fate,-to
all hope OF further succor
rom that quarter and witness the de-
struction Of what has already been
done-it is imperatively necessary |
that they shall speak again TO their |
and public servants
In voice more urgent and potential
than has yet been employed, and let
il be understood, that without refer.
ence to political distinction or party
lines, the people of this valley are,
upon the question OF the improvement
Of its waterways, unit.
To this end the Executive Com
mittee OF Tennessee issue this ciIcu.
lar, requesting the executive commit.
tees OF the other States emb raced In |
this association to unite in request
to its president, Mr.. B. d. Wood, that
he will summon general meeting OF
delega es from every portion OF the
Mississippi Wiley, to be held in the
city Of Memphis on or about the Goth
of October next. We have designated
this city because OF it's central position
and accessibility, aud should it be Sc.
lected as the place OF meeting, we can
assure the delegates OF cordial wei.
come and unstinted hospitality. Re-
specially,
J. W. CLAPP, Chairman,
h. b. SN0WDEN,
4. q. DABNEY,
W, A. EVEkMAN,
q. M. ESPl,